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Forensic Cultures

Module description

 Forensic science and its practical application bring together different actors and agencies, and various forms of experience and knowledge. In this module you will learn about these aspects from a sociological perspective, by examining how forensic cultures have developed. You will analyse the socio-political and cultural factors that have shaped the adoption, use and understanding of different forensic methods and technologies, from fingerprinting and DNA profiling to digital forensics. The module does not have any pre-requisites and it is suitable for interdisciplinary pathways and for non-specialist students. 

Module aims - intentions of the module

This research-led module aims to help you develop a social science, critical perspective on forensic science and practice. You will explore how notions of forensic evidence and expertise have evolved, and gain insight into forensic cultures and the emergence and status of forensic professions. The module will help you develop an analytical stance and an ability to scrutinise and challenge views on the infallibility of forensic evidence and the contribution of forensic science to criminal justice outcomes.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the major social scientific approaches to the study of forensics and its place, role and importance in the criminal justice system
• 2. Critically analyse and evaluate different sources on how forensic science contributes to criminal justice outcomes

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 3. Using social science theories and methods, critically assess claims about the contribution of forensic science to the delivery of justice
• 4. Demonstrate a critical approach to the selection and use of relevant social science sources to present coherent arguments about the relation between forensic methods and technologies and criminal justice outcomes

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. Communicate effectively in written and verbal form
• 6. Plan and work independently and in groups
• 7. Conduct research on a topic
• 8. Act autonomously within agreed guidelines and manage time effectively to meet deadlines

Syllabus plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some of the following themes:

1. The emergence of forensic science as profession and discipline
2. The socio-political development of forensic methods: Lombroso and bertillonage
3. The socio-political development of forensic methods: Fingerprinting and DNA profiling
4. Expertise and forensic knowledge: forensic evidence in court
5. Understanding forensics and forensic science: appraising media coverage and representations

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

If you are required to submit a second essay for re-assessment, this cannot be on the same topic as the first essay. 

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:

Adam, A., 2015. A history of forensic science: British beginnings in the twentieth century. Routledge.

Bechky, B.A., 2021. Blood, Powder, and Residue: How Crime Labs Translate Evidence Into Proof. Princeton University Press.

Machado, H. and Prainsack, B., 2016. Tracing technologies: Prisoners' views in the era of CSI. Routledge.

Newburn, T., Williamson, T. and Wright, A. eds., 2012. Handbook of criminal investigation. Routledge.

Lawless, C., 2016. Forensic Science: A sociological introduction. Routledge.

Lynch, M., Cole, S.A., McNally, R. and Jordan, K., 2010. Truth machine. University of Chicago Press.

Williams, R. and Johnson, P., 2013. Genetic policing: The uses of DNA in police investigations. Willan.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

Web-based and electronic resources:

• ELE – College to provide hyperlink to appropriate pages

Key words search

Forensics, culture, development, evidence, expertise, occupations